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Nativity of Our Lord

December 24, 2020

ST. MATTHEW LUTHERAN CHURCH

“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Personal Prayer: “Lord, speak to me today through the Scriptures and Symbols of this Christmas Season!”

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

“Empowered by the Holy Spirit, We share our Faith, by Loving and Serving our Neighbor.”

People of St. MatthewMinisters

Pastor Scott LeePastor

Deacon Jeanne G. SachDirector of Music

Disciples WelcomedUshers

WELCOME! Thank you for coming to worship God at St. Matthew. May your hearts be touched and your minds inspired to be all that God is calling you to be. Please come again and invite others to come with you.

HOLY COMMUNION: The Lord Jesus welcomes everyone to share in his real presence with us here today in Holy Communion. The method of communion is intinction, as you come to the table by the center aisle, receive the bread, place the bread reverently in the wine or grape juice chalice, and acknowledge God’s gift by saying Amen. Please return to your seats by side aisle. If you do not wish to receive Communion you are invited to come to the table for a blessing.

Matthew 28:19 “…Go, and make disciples” If you are either looking for a church home or know of others who would like to become a member of a church that is Gospel-filled and Spirit-led, look no farther St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church is the church where you can be nourished in God’s Word and welcomed into serving in ministry. Please let Pastor Lee know of your interest and he will contact you about becoming a member of this church. Welcome – and be inspired by the transformative Word of God!

THE INTRODUCTION: In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Church website: http://stmatthewlutheranwoodlyn.org

Summer Camp / Preschool Website: https://stmatthewwoodlynforkids.weebly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewlutheranwoodlyn/

Pastor Lee Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday 8:15am to 3:30pm

*The Invocation

P: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

C: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

P: Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.

C: We have beheld Christ’s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.

L: To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.

C: In him life, and the life was the light of all people.

*The Gathering Hymn “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” ELW 283

(Page 11 in Bulletin, all verses)

*The Greeting

P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C: And also with you.

*Prayer of the Day

P: Let us pray

C: Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading Isaiah 2:9-7

This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

The Word of The Lord: Thanks be to God

The Psalm Psalm 96

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad. (Ps. 96:11)

1Sing to the Lord| a new song; sing to the Lord, | all the earth. 2Sing to the Lord, bless the name | of the Lord; proclaim God’s salvation from | day to day. 3Declare God’s glory a- | mong the nations and God’s wonders a- | mong all peoples. 4For great is the Lord and greatly | to be praised, more to be feared | than all gods. R 5As for all the gods of the nations, they | are but idols; but you, O Lord, have | made the heavens. 6Majesty and magnificence are | in your presence; power and splendor are in your | sanctuary. 7Ascribe to the Lord, you families | of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord hon- | or and power. 8Ascribe to the Lord the honor due the | holy name; bring offerings and enter the courts | of the Lord. R 9Worship the Lord in the beau- | ty of holiness; tremble before the Lord, | all the earth. 10Tell it out among the nations: “The | Lord is king! The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the peo- | ples with equity.” 11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the | earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that | is therein. 12Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy at your com- | ing, O Lord, for you come to | judge the earth. 13You will judge the | world with righteousness and the peoples | with your truth. R

Second Reading Titus 2:11-14

The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final appearance.

11The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

The Word of The Lord: Thanks be to God

*The Alleluia (Spoken)

P: The Holy Gospel according to Luke the 2nd Chapter (Spoken)

* Gospel Luke 2:1-14[15-20]

God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace.

1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Carol “Away in a Manger” ELW 277, verses 1&3

(Page 12 in Bulletin)

8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Carol “Angel’s We Have Heard on High” ELW 289, verses 1&2


10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Carol “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” ELW 270, verses 1&3


[15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.]

P: The Gospel of the Lord. (Spoken)

The Sermon Pastor Scott R. Lee

Carol “What Child is This” ELW 296, verses 1&2


Musical Offering

*Prayers of The Church p. 10

A: Hear us O God.

C: Your mercy is great.

*Sharing of The Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: And also with you.

P: Let us share the peace from a distance.

Tithes and Offerings

*Offertory Prayer A: Let us pray

C: Gracious God, you came to us as one unknown, bringing joy and salvation to the earth. Nourish us at your banquet table, that with all who welcome your birth we may proclaim your peace, revealed in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

*The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

The Candle Lighting Ceremony

*Carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” ELW 281

(Page 16 in Bulletin, all verses)

*Blessing

A: Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the angels, sent the shepherds with good news,and led the magi by a star,bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh. C: Amen.

*Recessional Carol “Joy To The World “ ELW 267 (Page 17 in Bulletin, all verses)

*Dismissal to Service

A: Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.

C: Thanks be to God.

The bulletins today are given to the Glory of God.

The flowers today are given to the Glory of God.

Sponsor Altar Flowers and Bulletins! Contact Linda Graeff, Cathy Lynam, Dan Lozier or Pastor with the details of when you would like to sponsor the altar flowers, or bulletin and the wording of dedication you would like to appear in the Sunday bulletin for that day. Flowers and bulletins are $15.

Facebook Live Worship You can view our worship service every Sunday at 9:00 am on the church facebook page. You can also view a recording after the service which will be posted on the church webpage and facebook page.

THIS WEEK IN CHURCH

Sunday- Online Service of the Word 1st Sunday after Christmas

Monday-Friday- Preschool Christmas Break

Monday- AA 8am-12pm

Tuesday- 6:30 Free Community Dinner. Soup and Salad Take-Out Nite.

Thursday- New Years Eve

Friday- New Years Day

Sunday- Online Service of the Word 2nd Sunday after Christmas

Prayers of Intercession

Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

The shepherds sing, “Jesus Christ is born!” Let your church throughout the world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world!” Give respite to flocks, fields, and those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation rouse our care for all the earth. Hear us, O God.


The angels sing, “Peace on earth!” Come quickly to still the strife of this world. Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest (especially). Inspire leaders of nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care. Hear us, O God.


Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those who are sick or hurting (especially). Hear us, O God.


Love sings through the sound of a new baby’s cry. Bless new parents and expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with your love and care. Hear us, O God.


Here other intercessions may be offered.

The heavenly chorus sings, “Glory to God in the highest!” We give you thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed (especially). Let us join them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne (especially). Hear us, O God.


God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

GOSPEL MESSAGENATIVITY OF OUR LORD

Hope Born in a World of Humbugs

Dressed up with presents, lights, TV specials, extra concerts, parties, and spending money, there is a sense that Christmas is the time to feel good, do good, and perhaps live a little better than the rest of the year. Even the most cynical get swept up in the idea that the world and their lives shine a little brighter. It is a sugar-coated holiday rush only to be met days later by an emotional crash. Yet these signs point to a deep-seated hope that is lodged in the hearts and minds of those moving into this season. There is a longing and fervent hope that God will enter in and counter the challenges and humbugs of our days and world. And to this longing and fervent hope we look to one who claims us from marginal lives and engages us in a central story of hope and promise.

Wrapped in every breath, song, and action is God’s direct connection with the earth and her peoples. This night counters voices and theologies that view God as distant and unengaged with humanity and the world. From old, the promise of God drawing near has been uttered; in the gospel we witness the birth of God’s yearning presence through a teenage girl; throughout we are invited to join the song of creation, hope, and salvation. Tonight we pulse with the exhilaration of Mary and the shepherds, and those who have lived at the margins, as we experience and proclaim, that “God dwells with us.” While people may often talk of the “magic” of Christmas, it is our call to speak to the incarnation of Christmas. As people come together to hear a familiar story and sing familiar hymns, the blessing and challenge is to witness again to God’s promise and promise-keeping with vitality and to join the chorus of joy in what God has done and continues to do in being made real among us.

Into the lights and presents, the music and gatherings, even the wars, poverty, little empires, and tumult of the world, God meets and claims us in that spirit of hope. God calls us to dream and live into a new reality as we encounter this babe at Bethlehem and find this Christ-child born in our lives again. Christmas speaks to our greatest longing, and turns the “humbugs” to carols of joy.

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